Method and an apparatus for transitioning between optical networks

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, receiving a first optical signal from a first optical network via a first port of the wavelength converter, receiving a second optical signal from a second optical network via a second port of the wavelength converter, modulating the first optical signal with the second light signal to generate a third optical signal, eliminating the first light signal from the third optical signal to generate a fourth optical signal, and transmitting the fourth optical signal through the second optical network. The first optical signal can include a first digital signal modulated onto a first light signal of a first wavelength, the second optical signal can include a second light signal can include a second wavelength different from the first wavelength, and the fourth optical signal can include the first digital signal modulated onto the second light signal. Other embodiments are disclosed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/944,471 filed on Jul. 31, 2020. All sections of the aforementionedapplication are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus fortransitioning between optical networks.

BACKGROUND

Modern telecommunications systems provide consumers with telephonycapabilities while accessing a large variety of content. Consumers areno longer bound to specific locations when communicating with others orwhen enjoying multimedia content or accessing the varied resourcesavailable via the Internet. Network capabilities have expanded and havecreated additional interconnections and new opportunities for usingmobile communication devices in a variety of situations. Intelligentdevices offer new means for experiencing network interactions in waysthat anticipate consumer desires and provide solutions to problems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary, non-limitingembodiment of a communications network in accordance with variousaspects described herein.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system for of FIG. 1 in accordance with various aspectsdescribed herein.

FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system for of FIG. 1 in accordance with various aspectsdescribed herein.

FIG. 2C is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of an optical wavelength converter functioning within thecommunication network of FIG. 1 in accordance with various aspectsdescribed herein.

FIG. 2D depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method in accordancewith various aspects described herein.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a virtualized communication network in accordance withvarious aspects described herein.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of acomputing environment in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of amobile network platform in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of acommunication device in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrativeembodiments for converting a wavelength of an optical signal. An opticalwavelength converter can receive a first optical signal including afirst digital signal modulated onto a first light signal having a firstwavelength. The optical wavelength converter can also receive a secondoptical signal including a second light signal having a secondwavelength different from the first wavelength. The optical wavelengthconverter can combine the first optical signal and the second lightsignal to generate a third optical signal. The optical wavelengthconverter can eliminate first light signal from the third optical signalto generate a fourth optical signal, which, in turn can be transmitted.Other embodiments are described in the subject disclosure.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a method,performing operations by a wavelength converter. The method can includereceiving a first optical signal via a first port of the wavelengthconverter. The first optical signal can include a first digital signalmodulated onto a first light signal. The first light signal can includea first wavelength. The first optical signal is optically coupled to afirst optical network. The first optical signal can be further opticallycoupled to a first radio element of a wireless communication network viathe first optical network. The method can also include receiving asecond optical signal via a second port of the wavelength converter. Thesecond optical signal can include a second light signal. The secondlight signal can include a second wavelength different from the firstwavelength. The second optical signal can be optically coupled to asecond optical network. The second optical signal can be furtheroptically coupled to a second radio element of the wirelesscommunication network via the second optical network. The method caninclude combining the first optical signal with the second light signalto generate a third optical signal. The combining can further includemodulating the first optical signal and the second light signal via anoptical amplifier. The method can further include eliminating the firstlight signal from the third optical signal to generate a fourth opticalsignal. The fourth optical signal can include the first digital signalmodulated onto the second light signal. The method can also includetransmitting the fourth optical signal through the second opticalnetwork to the second radio element of the wireless communicationnetwork via a third port of the wavelength converter.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a wavelengthconverter device, comprising a first port, a second port, a third port,an optical amplifier coupled to the first port and the second port, andan optical filter coupled to the optical amplifier and the third port,to facilitate performing operations. The operations can includereceiving, at the first port, a first optical signal from a firstoptical network. The first optical signal can include a first digitalsignal modulated onto a first light signal. The first light signal caninclude a first wavelength. The operations can also include receiving,at the second port, a second optical signal from a second opticalnetwork. The second optical signal can include a second light signal.The second light signal can include a second wavelength different fromthe first wavelength. The operations can further include modulating, atthe optical amplifier, the first optical signal with the second lightsignal to generate a third optical signal. The operations can alsoinclude eliminating, at the optical filter, the first light signal fromthe third optical signal to generate a fourth optical signal, whereinthe fourth optical signal can include the first digital signal modulatedonto the second light signal. The operations can further includetransmitting, at the third port, the fourth optical signal through thesecond optical network.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a method,performing operations by a wavelength converter. The operations caninclude receiving a first optical signal from a first optical networkvia a first port of the wavelength converter. The first optical signalcan include a first digital signal modulated onto a first light signal.The first light signal can include a first wavelength. The operation canalso include receiving a second optical signal from a second opticalnetwork via a second port of the wavelength converter. The secondoptical signal can include a second light signal. The second lightsignal can include a second wavelength different from the firstwavelength. The method can further include modulating the first opticalsignal with the second light signal to generate a third optical signal.The method can also include eliminating the first light signal from thethird optical signal to generate a fourth optical signal. The fourthoptical signal can include the first digital signal modulated onto thesecond light signal. The method can include transmitting the fourthoptical signal through the second optical network.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , a block diagram is shown illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a system 100 in accordance withvarious aspects described herein. For example, system 100 can facilitatein whole or in part converting a wavelength of an optical signal. Anoptical wavelength converter can receive a first optical signalincluding a first digital signal modulated onto a first light signalhaving a first wavelength. The optical wavelength converter can alsoreceive a second optical signal including a second light signal having asecond wavelength different from the first wavelength. The opticalwavelength converter can combine the first optical signal and the secondlight signal to generate a third optical signal. The optical wavelengthconverter can eliminate first light signal from the third optical signalto generate a fourth optical signal, which, in turn can be transmitted.

In particular, a communications network 125 is presented for providingbroadband access 110 to a plurality of data terminals 114 via accessterminal 112, wireless access 120 to a plurality of mobile devices 124and vehicle 126 via base station or access point 122, voice access 130to a plurality of telephony devices 134, via switching device 132 and/ormedia access 140 to a plurality of audio/video display devices 144 viamedia terminal 142. In addition, communication network 125 is coupled toone or more content sources 175 of audio, video, graphics, text and/orother media. While broadband access 110, wireless access 120, voiceaccess 130 and media access 140 are shown separately, one or more ofthese forms of access can be combined to provide multiple accessservices to a single client device (e.g., mobile devices 124 can receivemedia content via media terminal 142, data terminal 114 can be providedvoice access via switching device 132, and so on).

The communications network 125 includes a plurality of network elements(NE) 150, 152, 154, 156, etc. for facilitating the broadband access 110,wireless access 120, voice access 130, media access 140 and/or thedistribution of content from content sources 175. The communicationsnetwork 125 can include a circuit switched or packet switched network, avoice over Internet protocol (VoIP) network, Internet protocol (IP)network, a cable network, a passive or active optical network, a 4G, 5G,or higher generation wireless access network, WIMAX network,UltraWideband network, personal area network or other wireless accessnetwork, a broadcast satellite network and/or other communicationsnetwork.

In various embodiments, the access terminal 112 can include a digitalsubscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM), cable modem terminationsystem (CMTS), optical line terminal (OLT) and/or other access terminal.The data terminals 114 can include personal computers, laptop computers,netbook computers, tablets or other computing devices along with digitalsubscriber line (DSL) modems, data over coax service interfacespecification (DOCSIS) modems or other cable modems, a wireless modemsuch as a 4G, 5G, or higher generation modem, an optical modem and/orother access devices.

In various embodiments, the base station or access point 122 can includea 4G, 5G, or higher generation base station, an access point thatoperates via an 802.11 standard such as 802.11n, 802.11ac or otherwireless access terminal. The mobile devices 124 can include mobilephones, e-readers, tablets, phablets, wireless modems, and/or othermobile computing devices.

In various embodiments, the switching device 132 can include a privatebranch exchange or central office switch, a media services gateway, VoIPgateway or other gateway device and/or other switching device. Thetelephony devices 134 can include traditional telephones (with orwithout a terminal adapter), VoIP telephones and/or other telephonydevices.

In various embodiments, the media terminal 142 can include a cablehead-end or other TV head-end, a satellite receiver, gateway or othermedia terminal 142. The display devices 144 can include televisions withor without a set top box, personal computers and/or other displaydevices.

In various embodiments, the content sources 175 include broadcasttelevision and radio sources, video on demand platforms and streamingvideo and audio services platforms, one or more content data networks,data servers, web servers and other content servers, and/or othersources of media.

In various embodiments, the communications network 125 can includewired, optical and/or wireless links and the network elements 150, 152,154, 156, etc. can include service switching points, signal transferpoints, service control points, network gateways, media distributionhubs, servers, firewalls, routers, edge devices, switches and othernetwork nodes for routing and controlling communications traffic overwired, optical and wireless links as part of the Internet and otherpublic networks as well as one or more private networks, for managingsubscriber access, for billing and network management and for supportingother network functions.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system 200 functioning within the communication networkof FIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects described herein. In one ormore embodiments, the system 200 can perform optical wavelengthconversion to facilitate uninterrupted optical signal communicationsbetween optical networks. The system 200 can include a first opticalnetwork 227, including a first network element 220. The first opticalnetwork 227 can support a “gray” optical signal standard, where digitalsignals can be modulated onto and demodulated from a first light signaloperating at a wavelength of 1310 nm. The first network element 220 canbe coupled to a first optical transmitter 222 a, which, in turn, can becoupled to a first optical fiber 223. The opposite end of the firstoptical fiber 223 can terminate in second optical transmitter 222 b.Alternatively, the first and second transmitters 222 a and 222 b can betransceivers capable of transmitting and receiving optical signals overthe first optical fiber 223. In one or more embodiments, the system 200can include a second optical network 228, including a second networkelement 226. The second optical network 228 can support a “colored”optical standard, where digital signals can be modulated onto anddemodulated from a second light signal operating at any of a group ofwavelengths between 1520 nm and 1577 nm, which is called the 1550 nmstandard, and is herein denoted by 1521.xx nm. The second opticalnetwork 228 can support dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM).The second network element 226 can be coupled to a third opticaltransmitter 224 a, which, in turn, can be coupled to a second opticalfiber 225. The opposite end of the second optical fiber 225 canterminate in fourth optical transmitter 224 b. Alternatively, the thirdand fourth transmitters 224 a and 224 b can be transceivers capable oftransmitting and receiving optical signals over the second optical fiber225.

Due to the dissimilarity in the wavelengths of the first and secondlight signals, the first network element 220 and the second networkelement 226 may not be able to communicate. To overcome this issue, awavelength conversion must be performed. In one or more embodiments, anoptical wavelength converter 210 can be introduced between the firstoptical network 227 and the second optical network 228. In one or moreembodiments, the optical wavelength converter 210 can convert betweenthe “gray” optical signal wavelength of 1310 nm (i.e., “gray” optics)and the “colored” optical signal wavelength of 1520-1577 nm (i.e.,“colored” optics). For example, the optical wavelength converter 210 canconvert a first optical signal, which includes a first digital signalmodulated onto a first light signal having a 1310 nm wavelength, into asecond optical signal, where the first digital data is modulated onto asecond light signal at specific wavelength compatible with the 1550 nmstandard. In short, the optical wavelength converter 210 can perform aGray-to-Color conversion for a signal at a specific color wavelength.

In one or more embodiments, the optical wavelength converter 210 can beperform in-line optical conversion to convert the standard 1310 nmwavelength to a specific 1550 nm wavelength that is adapted to becompatible with a DWDM architecture. In one embodiment, the opticalwavelength converter 210 can have a simple small form factor to allowsimple network deployment. For example, the optical wavelength converter210 can plug in-line along an optical fiber routing. In one embodiment,the optical wavelength converter 210 can facilitate connectivity ofexisting “gray” fiber network elements 220 and fiber networks 227 ontonewer, DWDM-capable networks 228. This capability can provide anefficient avenue for utilizing DWDM solutions, while reducing the needfor full replacement of existing gray fiber networks 228 and networkdevices 220. Further, the optical wavelength converter 210 can reducethe need for optical fiber replacements and upgrades in situations whereexisting fiber routes lack spare fibers, due, for example, to blockedroutings or held orders. The optical wavelength converter 210 allowsolder architectures to plug-and-play with standard DWDM opticaltransmitters.

In one embodiment, the optical wavelength converter 210 can convertstandard 1310 nm wavelength “gray” optical signals to 1520 nm-1577 nmwavelength “colored” optical signals. For example, transmit modulateddata carried on first light with a 1310 nm wavelength can be convertedso that the same data is transmit modulated onto second light with a1550 nm wavelength (or any of the discrete wavelengths in the 1520 nm to1577 nm ranges that are associated with the DWDM standard. In oneembodiment, a DWDM standard system can divide the 1520 nm to 1577 nmrange into 40 channels, with each channel centered at a discretewavelength, such as 1520.25 nm, 1521.20 nm, 1521.79 nm, and so forth, upto 1577.03 nm.

In an active solution to the issue of mismatched light frequencies, atypical DWDM transponder will perform optical-to-electrical-to-optical(OEO) translation. OEO translation includes complete demodulation andremodulation of the optical signals at the packet level. OEO requirescomplex electronic control signaling, error checking, and significantlylarge hardware, which is typically in the form of rack mounted units. Bycontrast, in one or more embodiments, the optical wavelength converter210 can perform a simple optical-to-optical translation of one opticalwavelength to another optical wavelength, at the optical level ratherthan the packet level, which reduces the required size, formfactor, andspace needed for the converter 210. The simplified optical wavelengthconverter 210 can be deployed in-line and integrated in situ with fiberoptic routings and remote networking equipment. The optical wavelengthconverter 210 can be environmentally hardened against weather so that itcan be mounted externally. The optical wavelength converter 210facilitates continued usage of well-established and less expensive grayoptical equipment and fiber in systems that have otherwise upgraded tocolored optical equipment and fiber.

In one or more embodiments, the optical wavelength converter 210 canautomatically detect the wavelength it needs to translate the opticalsignal for correct compatibility. For example, the optical wavelengthconverter 210 can automatically sense the particular wavelength, orcolor, of the DWDM-compatible light carrier as 1521.20 nm. The opticalwavelength converter 210 can then translate the digital signalinformation from the 1310 nm light carrier of the first optical network227 to the 1521.20 nm light carrier of the second optical network 228without human intervention or human selection of the correct DWDMwavelength. In another embodiment, the optical wavelength converter 210can include a means, such as a switch, for a user to select the correcttranslation wavelength. In one embodiment, the optical wavelengthconverter 210 can include one, unidirectional pathway for unidirectionaltranslation of the optical signal wavelength. In one embodiment, theoptical wavelength converter 210 can include a bi-directional pathway,or two unidirectional pathways, to facilitate translating opticalsignals in both directions. For example, a single optical wavelengthconverter 210 can translate from a gray optical signal to a coloredoptical signal (e.g., from the first optical network 227 to the secondoptical network 228) and from a colored optical signal to a gray opticalsignal (e.g., from the second optical network 228 to the first opticalnetwork 227).

In one or more embodiments, the network elements 220 and 226 can be partof a radio access network (RAN) of a wireless communication system. In aRAN, the network elements 220 and 226 are often limited to proprietaryoptical transmitters 222 a and 222 b. These propriety opticaltransmitters may use the older, gray wavelength (1310 nm) or may use awavelength unique to the network element. In one embodiment, the opticalwavelength converter 210 is capable of not only translating between grayand colored optical systems but any wavelength to any wavelength. FIG.2B is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting embodimentof a system 230 functioning within the communication network of FIG. 1in accordance with various aspects described herein. In this system 230,optical wavelength converter 210 provides optical translation betweenRAN elements in a wireless communication system. A radio unit (RU) 234supports a legacy gray optical wavelength (1310 nm), while a base bandunit (BBU) 238 supports a set of wavelengths for colored, DWDM opticalcommunication. Communication between the RU 234 and the BBU 238 can beunidirectional, in ether direction, or can be fully bi-directional.

In one or more embodiments, the RAN system 230 can include passiveoptical structures, such as passive DWDM optical network 242. Thepassive DWDM optical network 242 can include multiple fiber optic linesbundled into a network. In this example embodiment, the passive DWDMoptical network 242 is used as a transport path for the second opticalsignal at 1521.xx nm serving the BBU 238. The passive DWDM opticalnetwork 242 can be set up to handle DWDM wavelengths and to expand thecapabilities of the optical fiber asset to support high wavelengthdensities. The use of DWDM optics for the BBU 238 may require replacingolder, “gray” optical transmitters, capable only of standard 1310 nmoptics, with newer, “colored” optical transmitters capable of the morecomplex color varying DWDM optics. Legacy RAN vendors may not be willingto develop or source a DWDM capable optic transmitter or may chargesubstantially more money for this capability. The optical wavelengthconverter 210 can enable the use of lower cost and/or 3rd partyoff-the-shelf optical components (e.g., optical transmitters, grayfiber, etc.) for at least a portion of an overall RAN installation.

FIG. 2C is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of an optical wavelength converter 210 functioning within thecommunication network of FIG. 1 in accordance with various aspectsdescribed herein. In one or more embodiments, the optical wavelengthconverter 210 can perform an optical-to-optical conversion, withoutconversion of the optical signal into the electrical domain. In oneembodiment, an optical gating wavelength conversion can be performed. Ina gating conversion, the optical wavelength converter 210 can use afirst digital signal that is modulated on a first light signal toperform a gating function on a second light signal. The gating of thesecond light signal via the first digital signal effectively modulatesthe first digital signal onto the second light signal without anoptical-to-electrical conversion (and reconversion back to optical).

In one or more embodiments, several mechanisms are available forperforming this gating step, including saturable absorption, cross-gainmodulation, and cross-phase modulation. In each of these approaches, anoptical amplifier 254, such as a silicon optical amplifier (SOA), can beused to translate between the first and second light signals. Theoptical amplifier 254 can provide a fixed gain for a low-level opticalsignal. However, as the optical signal level increases, the gain of theoptical amplifier 254 saturates and, effectively, inversely gates thelow-level optical signal. In this case, the second light signal servesas the low-level optical signal and the first digital signal componentof the first optical signal serves as the gating signal. As a result,the first digital signal turns the second light signal ON and OFFinversely to it HIGH and LOW states. An optical filter 258 can also beincluded in the optical wavelength converter 210 to filter out the firstlight signal that can pass through the optical amplifier 210 based onthe difference between the first wavelength of the first light signaland the second wavelength of the second light signal.

In one or more embodiments, the second optical signal can furtherinclude its own second digital signal. For example, the second opticalnetwork 228 can be actively transmitting digital signals over the secondoptical fiber 225. In this case, the optical wavelength converter 210can be presented with a second optical signal that is a second digitalsignal modulated onto the second light signal. In this case, the opticalwavelength converter 210 may need to filter out (demodulate) the seconddigital signal from the second optical signal prior to introducing thesecond optical signal into the optical amplifier.

FIG. 2D depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method 270 in accordancewith various aspects described herein. While for purposes of simplicityof explanation, the respective processes are shown and described as aseries of blocks in FIG. 2D, it is to be understood and appreciated thatthe claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks, assome blocks may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with otherblocks from what is depicted and described herein. Moreover, not allillustrated blocks may be required to implement the methods describedherein. At step 274, the optical wavelength converter 210 can receive afirst optical signal at a first port. The first optical signal caninclude a first digital signal that is modulated onto a first lightsignal having a first wavelength. At step 278, the optical wavelengthconverter 210 can receive a second optical signal at a second port. Thesecond optical signal can include a second signal at a secondwavelength.

At step 282, the optical wavelength converter 210 can combine the firstoptical signal and the second optical signal via an optical amplifier togenerate a third optical signal. The third optical signal can includethe first digital signal modulated onto the second light signal. At step286, the optical wavelength converter 210 can eliminate the first lightsignal from the third optical signal to generate a fourth opticalsignal. At step 290, the optical wavelength converter 210 can transmitthe fourth optical signal via a third port.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respectiveprocesses are shown and described as a series of blocks in FIG. 2C, itis to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter isnot limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur indifferent orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what isdepicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks maybe required to implement the methods described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 3 , a block diagram 300 is shown illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a virtualized communication networkin accordance with various aspects described herein. In particular avirtualized communication network is presented that can be used toimplement some or all of the subsystems and functions of system 100, thesubsystems and functions of system 200, and method 230 presented inFIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 2C, and 3 . For example, virtualized communicationnetwork 300 can facilitate in whole or in part converting a wavelengthof an optical signal. An optical wavelength converter can receive afirst optical signal including a first digital signal modulated onto afirst light signal having a first wavelength. The optical wavelengthconverter can also receive a second optical signal including a secondlight signal having a second wavelength different from the firstwavelength. The optical wavelength converter can combine the firstoptical signal and the second light signal to generate a third opticalsignal. The optical wavelength converter can eliminate first lightsignal from the third optical signal to generate a fourth opticalsignal, which, in turn can be transmitted.

In particular, a cloud networking architecture is shown that leveragescloud technologies and supports rapid innovation and scalability via atransport layer 350, a virtualized network function cloud 325 and/or oneor more cloud computing environments 375. In various embodiments, thiscloud networking architecture is an open architecture that leveragesapplication programming interfaces (APIs); reduces complexity fromservices and operations; supports more nimble business models; andrapidly and seamlessly scales to meet evolving customer requirementsincluding traffic growth, diversity of traffic types, and diversity ofperformance and reliability expectations.

In contrast to traditional network elements—which are typicallyintegrated to perform a single function, the virtualized communicationnetwork employs virtual network elements (VNEs) 330, 332, 334, etc. thatperform some or all of the functions of network elements 150, 152, 154,156, etc. For example, the network architecture can provide a substrateof networking capability, often called Network Function VirtualizationInfrastructure (NFVI) or simply infrastructure that is capable of beingdirected with software and Software Defined Networking (SDN) protocolsto perform a broad variety of network functions and services. Thisinfrastructure can include several types of substrates. The most typicaltype of substrate being servers that support Network FunctionVirtualization (NFV), followed by packet forwarding capabilities basedon generic computing resources, with specialized network technologiesbrought to bear when general-purpose processors or general-purposeintegrated circuit devices offered by merchants (referred to herein asmerchant silicon) are not appropriate. In this case, communicationservices can be implemented as cloud-centric workloads.

As an example, a traditional network element 150 (shown in FIG. 1 ),such as an edge router can be implemented via a VNE 330 composed of NFVsoftware modules, merchant silicon, and associated controllers. Thesoftware can be written so that increasing workload consumes incrementalresources from a common resource pool, and moreover so that it'selastic, so the resources are only consumed when needed. In a similarfashion, other network elements such as other routers, switches, edgecaches, and middle boxes are instantiated from the common resource pool.Such sharing of infrastructure across a broad set of uses makes planningand growing infrastructure easier to manage.

In an embodiment, the transport layer 350 includes fiber, cable, wiredand/or wireless transport elements, network elements and interfaces toprovide broadband access 110, wireless access 120, voice access 130,media access 140 and/or access to content sources 175 for distributionof content to any or all of the access technologies. In particular, insome cases a network element needs to be positioned at a specific place,and this allows for less sharing of common infrastructure. Other times,the network elements have specific physical layer adapters that cannotbe abstracted or virtualized and might require special DSP code andanalog front-ends (AFEs) that do not lend themselves to implementationas VNEs 330, 332 or 334. These network elements can be included intransport layer 350.

The virtualized network function cloud 325 interfaces with the transportlayer 350 to provide the VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. to provide specificNFVs. In particular, the virtualized network function cloud 325leverages cloud operations, applications, and architectures to supportnetworking workloads. The virtualized network elements 330, 332 and 334can employ network function software that provides either a one-for-onemapping of traditional network element function or alternately somecombination of network functions designed for cloud computing. Forexample, VNEs 330, 332 and 334 can include route reflectors, domain namesystem (DNS) servers, and dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP)servers, system architecture evolution (SAE) and/or mobility managemententity (MME) gateways, broadband network gateways, IP edge routers forIP-VPN, Ethernet and other services, load balancers, distributers andother network elements. Because these elements don't typically need toforward large amounts of traffic, their workload can be distributedacross a number of servers—each of which adds a portion of thecapability, and overall, which creates an elastic function with higheravailability than its former monolithic version. These virtual networkelements 330, 332, 334, etc. can be instantiated and managed using anorchestration approach similar to those used in cloud compute services.

The cloud computing environments 375 can interface with the virtualizednetwork function cloud 325 via APIs that expose functional capabilitiesof the VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. to provide the flexible and expandedcapabilities to the virtualized network function cloud 325. Inparticular, network workloads may have applications distributed acrossthe virtualized network function cloud 325 and cloud computingenvironment 375 and in the commercial cloud or might simply orchestrateworkloads supported entirely in NFV infrastructure from thesethird-party locations.

Turning now to FIG. 4 , there is illustrated a block diagram of acomputing environment in accordance with various aspects describedherein. In order to provide additional context for various embodimentsof the embodiments described herein, FIG. 4 and the following discussionare intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitablecomputing environment 400 in which the various embodiments of thesubject disclosure can be implemented. In particular, computingenvironment 400 can be used in the implementation of network elements150, 152, 154, 156, access terminal 112, base station or access point122, switching device 132, media terminal 142, and/or VNEs 330, 332,334, etc. Each of these devices can be implemented viacomputer-executable instructions that can run on one or more computers,and/or in combination with other program modules and/or as a combinationof hardware and software. For example, computing environment 400 canfacilitate in whole or in part converting a wavelength of an opticalsignal. An optical wavelength converter can receive a first opticalsignal including a first digital signal modulated onto a first lightsignal having a first wavelength. The optical wavelength converter canalso receive a second optical signal including a second light signalhaving a second wavelength different from the first wavelength. Theoptical wavelength converter can combine the first optical signal andthe second light signal to generate a third optical signal. The opticalwavelength converter can eliminate first light signal from the thirdoptical signal to generate a fourth optical signal, which, in turn canbe transmitted.

Generally, program modules comprise routines, programs, components, datastructures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the methods can be practiced with other computer systemconfigurations, comprising single-processor or multiprocessor computersystems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personalcomputers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can beoperatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

As used herein, a processing circuit includes one or more processors aswell as other application specific circuits such as an applicationspecific integrated circuit, digital logic circuit, state machine,programmable gate array or other circuit that processes input signals ordata and that produces output signals or data in response thereto. Itshould be noted that while any functions and features described hereinin association with the operation of a processor could likewise beperformed by a processing circuit.

The illustrated embodiments of the embodiments herein can be alsopracticed in distributed computing environments where certain tasks areperformed by remote processing devices that are linked through acommunications network. In a distributed computing environment, programmodules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Computing devices typically comprise a variety of media, which cancomprise computer-readable storage media and/or communications media,which two terms are used herein differently from one another as follows.Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media thatcan be accessed by the computer and comprises both volatile andnonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example,and not limitation, computer-readable storage media can be implementedin connection with any method or technology for storage of informationsuch as computer-readable instructions, program modules, structured dataor unstructured data.

Computer-readable storage media can comprise, but are not limited to,random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electricallyerasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or othermemory technology, compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), digitalversatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devicesor other tangible and/or non-transitory media which can be used to storedesired information. In this regard, the terms “tangible” or“non-transitory” herein as applied to storage, memory orcomputer-readable media, are to be understood to exclude onlypropagating transitory signals per se as modifiers and do not relinquishrights to all standard storage, memory or computer-readable media thatare not only propagating transitory signals per se.

Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one or more local orremote computing devices, e.g., via access requests, queries or otherdata retrieval protocols, for a variety of operations with respect tothe information stored by the medium.

Communications media typically embody computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other structured or unstructureddata in a data signal such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a carrierwave or other transport mechanism, and comprises any informationdelivery or transport media. The term “modulated data signal” or signalsrefers to a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set orchanged in such a manner as to encode information in one or moresignals. By way of example, and not limitation, communication mediacomprise wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wiredconnection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and otherwireless media.

With reference again to FIG. 4 , the example environment can comprise acomputer 402, the computer 402 comprising a processing unit 404, asystem memory 406 and a system bus 408. The system bus 408 couplessystem components including, but not limited to, the system memory 406to the processing unit 404. The processing unit 404 can be any ofvarious commercially available processors. Dual microprocessors andother multiprocessor architectures can also be employed as theprocessing unit 404.

The system bus 408 can be any of several types of bus structure that canfurther interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memorycontroller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofcommercially available bus architectures. The system memory 406comprises ROM 410 and RAM 412. A basic input/output system (BIOS) can bestored in a non-volatile memory such as ROM, erasable programmable readonly memory (EPROM), EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basic routines thathelp to transfer information between elements within the computer 402,such as during startup. The RAM 412 can also comprise a high-speed RAMsuch as static RAM for caching data.

The computer 402 further comprises an internal hard disk drive (HDD) 414(e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal HDD 414 can also be configured forexternal use in a suitable chassis (not shown), a magnetic floppy diskdrive (FDD) 416, (e.g., to read from or write to a removable diskette418) and an optical disk drive 420, (e.g., reading a CD-ROM disk 422 or,to read from or write to other high capacity optical media such as theDVD). The HDD 414, magnetic FDD 416 and optical disk drive 420 can beconnected to the system bus 408 by a hard disk drive interface 424, amagnetic disk drive interface 426 and an optical drive interface 428,respectively. The hard disk drive interface 424 for external driveimplementations comprises at least one or both of Universal Serial Bus(USB) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394interface technologies. Other external drive connection technologies arewithin contemplation of the embodiments described herein.

The drives and their associated computer-readable storage media providenonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executableinstructions, and so forth. For the computer 402, the drives and storagemedia accommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digital format.Although the description of computer-readable storage media above refersto a hard disk drive (HDD), a removable magnetic diskette, and aremovable optical media such as a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that other types of storage media which arereadable by a computer, such as zip drives, magnetic cassettes, flashmemory cards, cartridges, and the like, can also be used in the exampleoperating environment, and further, that any such storage media cancontain computer-executable instructions for performing the methodsdescribed herein.

A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 412,comprising an operating system 430, one or more application programs432, other program modules 434 and program data 436. All or portions ofthe operating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also becached in the RAM 412. The systems and methods described herein can beimplemented utilizing various commercially available operating systemsor combinations of operating systems.

A user can enter commands and information into the computer 402 throughone or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard 438 and apointing device, such as a mouse 440. Other input devices (not shown)can comprise a microphone, an infrared (IR) remote control, a joystick,a game pad, a stylus pen, touch screen or the like. These and otherinput devices are often connected to the processing unit 404 through aninput device interface 442 that can be coupled to the system bus 408,but can be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, anIEEE 1394 serial port, a game port, a universal serial bus (USB) port,an IR interface, etc.

A monitor 444 or other type of display device can be also connected tothe system bus 408 via an interface, such as a video adapter 446. Itwill also be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, a monitor 444can also be any display device (e.g., another computer having a display,a smart phone, a tablet computer, etc.) for receiving displayinformation associated with computer 402 via any communication means,including via the Internet and cloud-based networks. In addition to themonitor 444, a computer typically comprises other peripheral outputdevices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.

The computer 402 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections via wired and/or wireless communications to one or moreremote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 448. The remotecomputer(s) 448 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, apersonal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainmentappliance, a peer device or other common network node, and typicallycomprises many or all of the elements described relative to the computer402, although, for purposes of brevity, only a remote memory/storagedevice 450 is illustrated. The logical connections depicted comprisewired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 452 and/orlarger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 454. Such LAN and WANnetworking environments are commonplace in offices and companies, andfacilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all ofwhich can connect to a global communications network, e.g., theInternet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 402 can beconnected to the LAN 452 through a wired and/or wireless communicationnetwork interface or adapter 456. The adapter 456 can facilitate wiredor wireless communication to the LAN 452, which can also comprise awireless AP disposed thereon for communicating with the adapter 456.

When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 402 can comprisea modem 458 or can be connected to a communications server on the WAN454 or has other means for establishing communications over the WAN 454,such as by way of the Internet. The modem 458, which can be internal orexternal and a wired or wireless device, can be connected to the systembus 408 via the input device interface 442. In a networked environment,program modules depicted relative to the computer 402 or portionsthereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device 450. It willbe appreciated that the network connections shown are example and othermeans of establishing a communications link between the computers can beused.

The computer 402 can be operable to communicate with any wirelessdevices or entities operatively disposed in wireless communication,e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portabledata assistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment orlocation associated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk,news stand, restroom), and telephone. This can comprise WirelessFidelity (Wi-Fi) and BLUETOOTH® wireless technologies. Thus, thecommunication can be a predefined structure as with a conventionalnetwork or simply an ad hoc communication between at least two devices.

Wi-Fi can allow connection to the Internet from a couch at home, a bedin a hotel room or a conference room at work, without wires. Wi-Fi is awireless technology similar to that used in a cell phone that enablessuch devices, e.g., computers, to send and receive data indoors and out,anywhere within the range of a base station. Wi-Fi networks use radiotechnologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g, n, ac, ag, etc.) to providesecure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can beused to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wirednetworks (which can use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operatein the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands for example or with productsthat contain both bands (dual band), so the networks can providereal-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wired Ethernetnetworks used in many offices.

Turning now to FIG. 5 , an embodiment 500 of a mobile network platform510 is shown that is an example of network elements 150, 152, 154, 156,and/or VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. For example, platform 510 can facilitatein whole or in part converting a wavelength of an optical signal. Anoptical wavelength converter can receive a first optical signalincluding a first digital signal modulated onto a first light signalhaving a first wavelength. The optical wavelength converter can alsoreceive a second optical signal including a second light signal having asecond wavelength different from the first wavelength. The opticalwavelength converter can combine the first optical signal and the secondlight signal to generate a third optical signal. The optical wavelengthconverter can eliminate first light signal from the third optical signalto generate a fourth optical signal, which, in turn can be transmitted.

In one or more embodiments, the mobile network platform 510 can generateand receive signals transmitted and received by base stations or accesspoints such as base station or access point 122. Generally, mobilenetwork platform 510 can comprise components, e.g., nodes, gateways,interfaces, servers, or disparate platforms, which facilitate bothpacket-switched (PS) (e.g., internet protocol (IP), frame relay,asynchronous transfer mode (ATM)) and circuit-switched (CS) traffic(e.g., voice and data), as well as control generation for networkedwireless telecommunication. As a non-limiting example, mobile networkplatform 510 can be included in telecommunications carrier networks andcan be considered carrier-side components as discussed elsewhere herein.Mobile network platform 510 comprises CS gateway node(s) 512 which caninterface CS traffic received from legacy networks like telephonynetwork(s) 540 (e.g., public switched telephone network (PSTN), orpublic land mobile network (PLMN)) or a signaling system #7 (SS7)network 560. CS gateway node(s) 512 can authorize and authenticatetraffic (e.g., voice) arising from such networks. Additionally, CSgateway node(s) 512 can access mobility, or roaming, data generatedthrough SS7 network 560; for instance, mobility data stored in a visitedlocation register (VLR), which can reside in memory 530. Moreover, CSgateway node(s) 512 interfaces CS-based traffic and signaling and PSgateway node(s) 518. As an example, in a 3GPP UMTS network, CS gatewaynode(s) 512 can be realized at least in part in gateway GPRS supportnode(s) (GGSN). It should be appreciated that functionality and specificoperation of CS gateway node(s) 512, PS gateway node(s) 518, and servingnode(s) 516, is provided and dictated by radio technology(ies) utilizedby mobile network platform 510 for telecommunication over a radio accessnetwork 520 with other devices, such as a radiotelephone 575.

In addition to receiving and processing CS-switched traffic andsignaling, PS gateway node(s) 518 can authorize and authenticatePS-based data sessions with served mobile devices. Data sessions cancomprise traffic, or content(s), exchanged with networks external to themobile network platform 510, like wide area network(s) (WANs) 550,enterprise network(s) 570, and service network(s) 580, which can beembodied in local area network(s) (LANs), can also be interfaced withmobile network platform 510 through PS gateway node(s) 518. It is to benoted that WANs 550 and enterprise network(s) 570 can embody, at leastin part, a service network(s) like IP multimedia subsystem (IMS). Basedon radio technology layer(s) available in technology resource(s) orradio access network 520, PS gateway node(s) 518 can generate packetdata protocol contexts when a data session is established; other datastructures that facilitate routing of packetized data also can begenerated. To that end, in an aspect, PS gateway node(s) 518 cancomprise a tunnel interface (e.g., tunnel termination gateway (TTG) in3GPP UMTS network(s) (not shown)) which can facilitate packetizedcommunication with disparate wireless network(s), such as Wi-Finetworks.

In embodiment 500, mobile network platform 510 also comprises servingnode(s) 516 that, based upon available radio technology layer(s) withintechnology resource(s) in the radio access network 520, convey thevarious packetized flows of data streams received through PS gatewaynode(s) 518. It is to be noted that for technology resource(s) that relyprimarily on CS communication, server node(s) can deliver trafficwithout reliance on PS gateway node(s) 518; for example, server node(s)can embody at least in part a mobile switching center. As an example, ina 3GPP UMTS network, serving node(s) 516 can be embodied in serving GPRSsupport node(s) (SGSN).

For radio technologies that exploit packetized communication, server(s)514 in mobile network platform 510 can execute numerous applicationsthat can generate multiple disparate packetized data streams or flows,and manage (e.g., schedule, queue, format . . . ) such flows. Suchapplication(s) can comprise add-on features to standard services (forexample, provisioning, billing, customer support . . . ) provided bymobile network platform 510. Data streams (e.g., content(s) that arepart of a voice call or data session) can be conveyed to PS gatewaynode(s) 518 for authorization/authentication and initiation of a datasession, and to serving node(s) 516 for communication thereafter. Inaddition to application server, server(s) 514 can comprise utilityserver(s), a utility server can comprise a provisioning server, anoperations and maintenance server, a security server that can implementat least in part a certificate authority and firewalls as well as othersecurity mechanisms, and the like. In an aspect, security server(s)secure communication served through mobile network platform 510 toensure network's operation and data integrity in addition toauthorization and authentication procedures that CS gateway node(s) 512and PS gateway node(s) 518 can enact. Moreover, provisioning server(s)can provision services from external network(s) like networks operatedby a disparate service provider; for instance, WAN 550 or GlobalPositioning System (GPS) network(s) (not shown). Provisioning server(s)can also provision coverage through networks associated to mobilenetwork platform 510 (e.g., deployed and operated by the same serviceprovider), such as the distributed antennas networks shown in FIG. 1(s)that enhance wireless service coverage by providing more networkcoverage.

It is to be noted that server(s) 514 can comprise one or more processorsconfigured to confer at least in part the functionality of mobilenetwork platform 510. To that end, the one or more processors canexecute code instructions stored in memory 530, for example. It shouldbe appreciated that server(s) 514 can comprise a content manager, whichoperates in substantially the same manner as described hereinbefore.

In example embodiment 500, memory 530 can store information related tooperation of mobile network platform 510. Other operational informationcan comprise provisioning information of mobile devices served throughmobile network platform 510, subscriber databases; applicationintelligence, pricing schemes, e.g., promotional rates, flat-rateprograms, couponing campaigns; technical specification(s) consistentwith telecommunication protocols for operation of disparate radio, orwireless, technology layers; and so forth. Memory 530 can also storeinformation from at least one of telephony network(s) 540, WAN 550, SS7network 560, or enterprise network(s) 570. In an aspect, memory 530 canbe, for example, accessed as part of a data store component or as aremotely connected memory store.

In order to provide a context for the various aspects of the disclosedsubject matter, FIG. 5 , and the following discussion, are intended toprovide a brief, general description of a suitable environment in whichthe various aspects of the disclosed subject matter can be implemented.While the subject matter has been described above in the general contextof computer-executable instructions of a computer program that runs on acomputer and/or computers, those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe disclosed subject matter also can be implemented in combination withother program modules. Generally, program modules comprise routines,programs, components, data structures, etc. that perform particulartasks and/or implement particular abstract data types.

Turning now to FIG. 6 , an illustrative embodiment of a communicationdevice 600 is shown. The communication device 600 can serve as anillustrative embodiment of devices such as data terminals 114, mobiledevices 124, vehicle 126, display devices 144 or other client devicesfor communication via either communications network 125. For example,computing device 600 can facilitate in whole or in part converting awavelength of an optical signal. An optical wavelength converter canreceive a first optical signal including a first digital signalmodulated onto a first light signal having a first wavelength. Theoptical wavelength converter can also receive a second optical signalincluding a second light signal having a second wavelength differentfrom the first wavelength. The optical wavelength converter can combinethe first optical signal and the second light signal to generate a thirdoptical signal. The optical wavelength converter can eliminate firstlight signal from the third optical signal to generate a fourth opticalsignal, which, in turn can be transmitted.

The communication device 600 can comprise a wireline and/or wirelesstransceiver 602 (herein transceiver 602), a user interface (UI) 604, apower supply 614, a location receiver 616, a motion sensor 618, anorientation sensor 620, and a controller 606 for managing operationsthereof. The transceiver 602 can support short-range or long-rangewireless access technologies such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, WiFi, DECT, orcellular communication technologies, just to mention a few (Bluetooth®and ZigBee® are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth® Special InterestGroup and the ZigBee® Alliance, respectively). Cellular technologies caninclude, for example, CDMA-1×, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO,WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next generation wireless communicationtechnologies as they arise. The transceiver 602 can also be adapted tosupport circuit-switched wireline access technologies (such as PSTN),packet-switched wireline access technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP,etc.), and combinations thereof.

The UI 604 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad 608 witha navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a joystick, a mouse, or anavigation disk for manipulating operations of the communication device600. The keypad 608 can be an integral part of a housing assembly of thecommunication device 600 or an independent device operably coupledthereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USB cable) or awireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth®. The keypad 608 canrepresent a numeric keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a QWERTYkeypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI 604 can further include a display610 such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED(Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology forconveying images to an end user of the communication device 600. In anembodiment where the display 610 is touch-sensitive, a portion or all ofthe keypad 608 can be presented by way of the display 610 withnavigation features.

The display 610 can use touch screen technology to also serve as a userinterface for detecting user input. As a touch screen display, thecommunication device 600 can be adapted to present a user interfacehaving graphical user interface (GUI) elements that can be selected by auser with a touch of a finger. The display 610 can be equipped withcapacitive, resistive or other forms of sensing technology to detect howmuch surface area of a user's finger has been placed on a portion of thetouch screen display. This sensing information can be used to controlthe manipulation of the GUI elements or other functions of the userinterface. The display 610 can be an integral part of the housingassembly of the communication device 600 or an independent devicecommunicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface (suchas a cable) or a wireless interface.

The UI 604 can also include an audio system 612 that utilizes audiotechnology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heard inproximity of a human ear) and high-volume audio (such as speakerphonefor hands free operation). The audio system 612 can further include amicrophone for receiving audible signals of an end user. The audiosystem 612 can also be used for voice recognition applications. The UI604 can further include an image sensor 613 such as a charged coupleddevice (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images.

The power supply 614 can utilize common power management technologiessuch as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulationtechnologies, and/or charging system technologies for supplying energyto the components of the communication device 600 to facilitatelong-range or short-range portable communications. Alternatively, or incombination, the charging system can utilize external power sources suchas DC power supplied over a physical interface such as a USB port orother suitable tethering technologies.

The location receiver 616 can utilize location technology such as aglobal positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of assisted GPS foridentifying a location of the communication device 600 based on signalsgenerated by a constellation of GPS satellites, which can be used forfacilitating location services such as navigation. The motion sensor 618can utilize motion sensing technology such as an accelerometer, agyroscope, or other suitable motion sensing technology to detect motionof the communication device 600 in three-dimensional space. Theorientation sensor 620 can utilize orientation sensing technology suchas a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the communication device600 (north, south, west, and east, as well as combined orientations indegrees, minutes, or other suitable orientation metrics).

The communication device 600 can use the transceiver 602 to alsodetermine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth®, or other wirelessaccess points by sensing techniques such as utilizing a received signalstrength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal time of arrival (TOA) or time offlight (TOF) measurements. The controller 606 can utilize computingtechnologies such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP),programmable gate arrays, application specific integrated circuits,and/or a video processor with associated storage memory such as Flash,ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies for executingcomputer instructions, controlling, and processing data supplied by theaforementioned components of the communication device 600.

Other components not shown in FIG. 6 can be used in one or moreembodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the communicationdevice 600 can include a slot for adding or removing an identity modulesuch as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card or Universal IntegratedCircuit Card (UICC). SIM or UICC cards can be used for identifyingsubscriber services, executing programs, storing subscriber data, and soon.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and so forth, as used in theclaims, unless otherwise clear by context, is for clarity only anddoesn't otherwise indicate or imply any order in time. For instance, “afirst determination,” “a second determination,” and “a thirddetermination,” does not indicate or imply that the first determinationis to be made before the second determination, or vice versa, etc.

In the subject specification, terms such as “store,” “storage,” “datastore,” data storage,” “database,” and substantially any otherinformation storage component relevant to operation and functionality ofa component, refer to “memory components,” or entities embodied in a“memory” or components comprising the memory. It will be appreciatedthat the memory components described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory, or can comprise both volatile andnonvolatile memory, by way of illustration, and not limitation, volatilememory, non-volatile memory, disk storage, and memory storage. Further,nonvolatile memory can be included in read only memory (ROM),programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM),electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory cancomprise random access memory (RAM), which acts as external cachememory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available inmany forms such as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM),synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhancedSDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM).Additionally, the disclosed memory components of systems or methodsherein are intended to comprise, without being limited to comprising,these and any other suitable types of memory.

Moreover, it will be noted that the disclosed subject matter can bepracticed with other computer system configurations, comprisingsingle-processor or multiprocessor computer systems, mini-computingdevices, mainframe computers, as well as personal computers, hand-heldcomputing devices (e.g., PDA, phone, smartphone, watch, tabletcomputers, netbook computers, etc.), microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer or industrial electronics, and the like. Theillustrated aspects can also be practiced in distributed computingenvironments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices thatare linked through a communications network; however, some if not allaspects of the subject disclosure can be practiced on stand-alonecomputers. In a distributed computing environment, program modules canbe located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

In one or more embodiments, information regarding use of services can begenerated including services being accessed, media consumption history,user preferences, and so forth. This information can be obtained byvarious methods including user input, detecting types of communications(e.g., video content vs. audio content), analysis of content streams,sampling, and so forth. The generating, obtaining and/or monitoring ofthis information can be responsive to an authorization provided by theuser. In one or more embodiments, an analysis of data can be subject toauthorization from user(s) associated with the data, such as an opt-in,an opt-out, acknowledgement requirements, notifications, selectiveauthorization based on types of data, and so forth.

Some of the embodiments described herein can also employ artificialintelligence (AI) to facilitate automating one or more featuresdescribed herein. The embodiments (e.g., in connection withautomatically identifying acquired cell sites that provide a maximumvalue/benefit after addition to an existing communication network) canemploy various AI-based schemes for carrying out various embodimentsthereof. Moreover, the classifier can be employed to determine a rankingor priority of each cell site of the acquired network. A classifier is afunction that maps an input attribute vector, x=(x1, x2, x3, x4, . . . ,xn), to a confidence that the input belongs to a class, that is,f(x)=confidence (class). Such classification can employ a probabilisticand/or statistical-based analysis (e.g., factoring into the analysisutilities and costs) to determine or infer an action that a user desiresto be automatically performed. A support vector machine (SVM) is anexample of a classifier that can be employed. The SVM operates byfinding a hypersurface in the space of possible inputs, which thehypersurface attempts to split the triggering criteria from thenon-triggering events. Intuitively, this makes the classificationcorrect for testing data that is near, but not identical to trainingdata. Other directed and undirected model classification approachescomprise, e.g., naïve Bayes, Bayesian networks, decision trees, neuralnetworks, fuzzy logic models, and probabilistic classification modelsproviding different patterns of independence can be employed.Classification as used herein also is inclusive of statisticalregression that is utilized to develop models of priority.

As will be readily appreciated, one or more of the embodiments canemploy classifiers that are explicitly trained (e.g., via a generictraining data) as well as implicitly trained (e.g., via observing UEbehavior, operator preferences, historical information, receivingextrinsic information). For example, SVMs can be configured via alearning or training phase within a classifier constructor and featureselection module. Thus, the classifier(s) can be used to automaticallylearn and perform a number of functions, including but not limited todetermining according to predetermined criteria which of the acquiredcell sites will benefit a maximum number of subscribers and/or which ofthe acquired cell sites will add minimum value to the existingcommunication network coverage, etc.

As used in some contexts in this application, in some embodiments, theterms “component,” “system” and the like are intended to refer to, orcomprise, a computer-related entity or an entity related to anoperational apparatus with one or more specific functionalities, whereinthe entity can be either hardware, a combination of hardware andsoftware, software, or software in execution. As an example, a componentmay be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, aprocessor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution,computer-executable instructions, a program, and/or a computer. By wayof illustration and not limitation, both an application running on aserver and the server can be a component. One or more components mayreside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component maybe localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or morecomputers. In addition, these components can execute from variouscomputer readable media having various data structures stored thereon.The components may communicate via local and/or remote processes such asin accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., datafrom one component interacting with another component in a local system,distributed system, and/or across a network such as the Internet withother systems via the signal). As another example, a component can be anapparatus with specific functionality provided by mechanical partsoperated by electric or electronic circuitry, which is operated by asoftware or firmware application executed by a processor, wherein theprocessor can be internal or external to the apparatus and executes atleast a part of the software or firmware application. As yet anotherexample, a component can be an apparatus that provides specificfunctionality through electronic components without mechanical parts,the electronic components can comprise a processor therein to executesoftware or firmware that confers at least in part the functionality ofthe electronic components. While various components have beenillustrated as separate components, it will be appreciated that multiplecomponents can be implemented as a single component, or a singlecomponent can be implemented as multiple components, without departingfrom example embodiments.

Further, the various embodiments can be implemented as a method,apparatus or article of manufacture using standard programming and/orengineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware or anycombination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosedsubject matter. The term “article of manufacture” as used herein isintended to encompass a computer program accessible from anycomputer-readable device or computer-readable storage/communicationsmedia. For example, computer readable storage media can include, but arenot limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk,magnetic strips), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digitalversatile disk (DVD)), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g.,card, stick, key drive). Of course, those skilled in the art willrecognize many modifications can be made to this configuration withoutdeparting from the scope or spirit of the various embodiments.

In addition, the words “example” and “exemplary” are used herein to meanserving as an instance or illustration. Any embodiment or designdescribed herein as “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to beconstrued as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments ordesigns. Rather, use of the word example or exemplary is intended topresent concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, theterm “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive“or”. That is, unless specified otherwise or clear from context, “Xemploys A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusivepermutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both Aand B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoinginstances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in thisapplication and the appended claims should generally be construed tomean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context tobe directed to a singular form.

Moreover, terms such as “user equipment,” “mobile station,” “mobile,”subscriber station,” “access terminal,” “terminal,” “handset,” “mobiledevice” (and/or terms representing similar terminology) can refer to awireless device utilized by a subscriber or user of a wirelesscommunication service to receive or convey data, control, voice, video,sound, gaming or substantially any data-stream or signaling-stream. Theforegoing terms are utilized interchangeably herein and with referenceto the related drawings.

Furthermore, the terms “user,” “subscriber,” “customer,” “consumer” andthe like are employed interchangeably throughout, unless contextwarrants particular distinctions among the terms. It should beappreciated that such terms can refer to human entities or automatedcomponents supported through artificial intelligence (e.g., a capacityto make inference based, at least, on complex mathematical formalisms),which can provide simulated vision, sound recognition and so forth.

As employed herein, the term “processor” can refer to substantially anycomputing processing unit or device comprising, but not limited tocomprising, single-core processors; single-processors with softwaremultithread execution capability; multi-core processors; multi-coreprocessors with software multithread execution capability; multi-coreprocessors with hardware multithread technology; parallel platforms; andparallel platforms with distributed shared memory. Additionally, aprocessor can refer to an integrated circuit, an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic controller (PLC), acomplex programmable logic device (CPLD), a discrete gate or transistorlogic, discrete hardware components or any combination thereof designedto perform the functions described herein. Processors can exploitnano-scale architectures such as, but not limited to, molecular andquantum-dot based transistors, switches and gates, in order to optimizespace usage or enhance performance of user equipment. A processor canalso be implemented as a combination of computing processing units.

As used herein, terms such as “data storage,” data storage,” “database,”and substantially any other information storage component relevant tooperation and functionality of a component, refer to “memorycomponents,” or entities embodied in a “memory” or components comprisingthe memory. It will be appreciated that the memory components orcomputer-readable storage media, described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory or can include both volatile andnonvolatile memory.

What has been described above includes mere examples of variousembodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe everyconceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes ofdescribing these examples, but one of ordinary skill in the art canrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of the presentembodiments are possible. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed and/orclaimed herein are intended to embrace all such alterations,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes”is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term isintended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as“comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in aclaim.

In addition, a flow diagram may include a “start” and/or “continue”indication. The “start” and “continue” indications reflect that thesteps presented can optionally be incorporated in or otherwise used inconjunction with other routines. In this context, “start” indicates thebeginning of the first step presented and may be preceded by otheractivities not specifically shown. Further, the “continue” indicationreflects that the steps presented may be performed multiple times and/ormay be succeeded by other activities not specifically shown. Further,while a flow diagram indicates a particular ordering of steps, otherorderings are likewise possible provided that the principles ofcausality are maintained.

As may also be used herein, the term(s) “operably coupled to”, “coupledto”, and/or “coupling” includes direct coupling between items and/orindirect coupling between items via one or more intervening items. Suchitems and intervening items include, but are not limited to, junctions,communication paths, components, circuit elements, circuits, functionalblocks, and/or devices. As an example of indirect coupling, a signalconveyed from a first item to a second item may be modified by one ormore intervening items by modifying the form, nature or format ofinformation in a signal, while one or more elements of the informationin the signal are nevertheless conveyed in a manner than can berecognized by the second item. In a further example of indirectcoupling, an action in a first item can cause a reaction on the seconditem, as a result of actions and/or reactions in one or more interveningitems.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement which achieves thesame or similar purpose may be substituted for the embodiments describedor shown by the subject disclosure. The subject disclosure is intendedto cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, can be used in the subject disclosure.For instance, one or more features from one or more embodiments can becombined with one or more features of one or more other embodiments. Inone or more embodiments, features that are positively recited can alsobe negatively recited and excluded from the embodiment with or withoutreplacement by another structural and/or functional feature. The stepsor functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subjectdisclosure can be performed in any order. The steps or functionsdescribed with respect to the embodiments of the subject disclosure canbe performed alone or in combination with other steps or functions ofthe subject disclosure, as well as from other embodiments or from othersteps that have not been described in the subject disclosure. Further,more than or less than all of the features described with respect to anembodiment can also be utilized.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: receiving, by a wavelengthconverter of an optical communication system, a first optical signal ofa first optical network of the optical communication system, wherein thefirst optical signal comprises a first digital signal modulated onto afirst light signal, wherein the first light signal comprises a firstwavelength, wherein the first optical signal is optically coupled to thefirst optical network, wherein the first optical network comprises agray optical network; selecting, by a switch of the opticalcommunication system, a second light signal of a plurality of lightsignals of a plurality of wavelengths optically coupled a second opticalnetwork of the optical communication network according to a user inputto the switch, wherein the second optical network comprises a coloredoptical network, and wherein the second light signal comprises a secondwavelength of the plurality of wavelengths; receiving, by the wavelengthconverter of the optical communication system, the second light signalof the plurality of light signals of the second optical network from theswitch according to the selecting the second light signal by the switchof the optical communication network; combining, by the wavelengthconverter of the optical communication system, the first optical signalwith the second light signal to generate a modulated optical signal,wherein the combining further comprises modulating the first opticalsignal and the second light signal via an optical amplifier to generatethe modulated optical signal; eliminating, by the wavelength converterof the optical communication system, the first light signal from themodulated optical signal to generate a third optical signal, wherein thethird optical signal comprises the first digital signal modulated ontothe second light signal; and transmitting, by the wavelength converterof the optical communication system, the third optical signal to thesecond optical network of the optical communication network, wherein thethird optical signal is optically coupled to the second optical network.2. The method of claim 1, wherein the second wavelength of the secondlight signal differs from the first wavelength of the first light signalof the first optical signal.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein thesecond light signal of the plurality of light signals further comprisesa second digital signal, and wherein the wavelength converter of theoptical communication system further eliminates the second digitalsignal from the second light signal prior to the combining the firstoptical signal with the second light signal.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein the eliminating the first light signal from the modulatedoptical signal comprises optically filtering the modulated opticalsignal.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first optical signal isfurther optically coupled to a wireless communication network via thefirst optical network.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the firstoptical signal is further optically coupled to a first radio element ofthe wireless communication network.
 7. The method of claim 5, whereinthe third optical signal is further coupled to a second radio element ofthe wireless communication network.
 8. The method of claim 1, whereinoptical gain of the optical amplifier is inversely proportional to lightintensity of the first optical signal.
 9. The method of claim 1, whereinthe second optical network further comprises a passive dense wavelengthdivision multiplexing network.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein thesecond wavelength of the second light signal is a specific wavelengthassociated with dense wavelength division multiplexing.
 11. An opticalcommunication system, comprising: a first optical network; a secondoptical network; a wavelength converter coupled between the firstoptical network and the second optical network; and a switch coupledbetween the second optical network and the wavelength converter, tofacilitate performing operations comprising: receiving, by thewavelength converter, a first optical signal of a first optical network,wherein the first optical signal comprises a first digital signalmodulated onto a first light signal, wherein the first optical signal isoptically coupled to the first optical network, and wherein the firstoptical network comprises a gray optical network; selecting, by theswitch, a second light signal of a plurality of light signals of aplurality of wavelengths optically coupled a second optical networkaccording to a user input to the switch, wherein the second opticalnetwork comprises a colored optical network; receiving, by thewavelength converter, the second light signal of the plurality of lightsignals of the second optical network from the switch according to theselecting the second light signal by the switch; combining, by thewavelength converter, the first optical signal with the second lightsignal to generate a modulated optical signal, wherein the combiningfurther comprises modulating the first optical signal and the secondlight signal via an optical amplifier to generate the modulated opticalsignal; eliminating, by the wavelength converter, the first light signalfrom the modulated optical signal to generate a third optical signal,wherein the third optical signal comprises the first digital signalmodulated onto the second light signal; and transmitting, by thewavelength converter, the third optical signal to the second opticalnetwork, wherein the third optical signal is optically coupled to thesecond optical network.
 12. The optical communication system of claim11, wherein the first light signal comprises a first wavelength andwherein the second light signal comprises a second wavelength of theplurality of wavelengths.
 13. The optical communication system of claim12, wherein the second wavelength of the second light signal differsfrom the first wavelength of the first light signal of the first opticalsignal.
 14. The optical communication system of claim 11, wherein thesecond light signal of the plurality of light signals further comprisesa second digital signal, and wherein the wavelength converter of theoptical communication system further eliminates the second digitalsignal from the second light signal prior to the combining the firstoptical signal with the second light signal.
 15. The opticalcommunication system of claim 11, wherein the eliminating the firstlight signal from the modulated optical signal comprises opticallyfiltering the modulated optical signal.
 16. The optical communicationsystem of claim 11, wherein the first optical signal is furtheroptically coupled to a wireless communication network via the firstoptical network.
 17. The optical communication system of claim 16,wherein the first optical signal is further optically coupled to a firstradio element of the wireless communication network, and wherein thethird optical signal is further coupled to a second radio element of thewireless communication network.
 18. A method, comprising: receiving, bya wavelength converter of an optical communication system, a firstoptical signal of a first optical network of the optical communicationsystem, wherein the first optical signal comprises a first digitalsignal modulated onto a first light signal, wherein the first opticalsignal is optically coupled to the first optical network, wherein thefirst optical network comprises a gray optical network; selecting, by aswitch of the optical communication system, a second light signal of aplurality of light signals of a plurality of wavelengths opticallycoupled a second optical network of the optical communication networkaccording to a user input to the switch, wherein the second opticalnetwork comprises a colored optical network; receiving, by thewavelength converter of the optical communication system, the secondlight signal of the plurality of light signals of the second opticalnetwork from the switch according to the selecting the second lightsignal by the switch of the optical communication network; combining, bythe wavelength converter of the optical communication system, the firstoptical signal with the second light signal to generate a modulatedoptical signal, wherein the combining further comprises modulating thefirst optical signal and the second light signal to generate themodulated optical signal; eliminating, by the wavelength converter ofthe optical communication system, the first light signal from themodulated optical signal to generate a third optical signal, wherein thethird optical signal comprises the first digital signal modulated ontothe second light signal; and transmitting, by the wavelength converterof the optical communication system, the third optical signal to thesecond optical network of the optical communication network, wherein thethird optical signal is optically coupled to the second optical network.19. The method of claim 18, wherein the first light signal comprises afirst wavelength, and wherein the second light signal comprises a secondwavelength of the plurality of wavelengths.
 20. The method of claim 18,wherein the modulating the first optical signal and the second lightsignal to generate the modulated optical signal is via an opticalamplifier.